August 2011-I am starting a 29-Day Challenge to give one gift each day and see how it affects my life. I have always considered myself a giver, but I feel this challenge will challenge and focus me on giving more. I was inspired by the book 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving can Change your Life. I ran across it 2 years ago in a bookstore in Springfield, MO, and I titled a piece of paper 29 Gifts. I found that same piece of paper the other day, and I saw it as a sign to start the challenge. You can learn more about the book and challenge at http://givingchallenge.ning.com/.

After 1 month of giving, I have continued this challenge in giving and sharing the stories with others. Hope you enjoy reading about my adventures with giving!

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Today my gift was helping and donating to the Flinthills Breadbasket Food Drive. While helping with the drive, I was inspired by the generosity of people in the community. Some were so generous they pushed full cart loads of groceries over to donate or instantly pulled out cash to donate to the cause. These carts full of food and money went to those community members in need.

Every action speaks to others, so lead with purpose and model for others the kindness and compassion this world desperately needs each and every day.

Today my gift was donating to BuildOn. BuildOn is an organization that one of my friend's works at. It is an organization that provides at-risk youth with opportunities to serve in their community through community service projects. They are currently raising money to go on a Trek to Haiti to aid in the construction of a school. Learn more about the cause and donate by clicking here.

"Sometimes we forget we all are different, but that difference changes the world."